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Louisiana to revert to federal red-snapper regulations this weekend

Red snapper

Catching limits of red snapper has not been a problem at all for anglers fishing the state season out of ports like Venice. Beginning this weekend, though, the state will revert to federal regulations -- at least for a little while.
(Capt. Peace Marvel)

Anglers who fish on Friday in waters, say, 9 miles off the Louisiana coast will get to throw three red snapper each into their creels, but they'll have to dodge Coast Guard cutters in the process.

Those who fish the exact same waters on Saturday will have the full blessing of the Coast Guard, but they'll be able to keep only two snapper each.

Confused?

Most offshore anglers are.

The ongoing dispute between federal and state regulators over red-snapper management takes another bizarre turn this weekend when the federal red snapper season opens. The state has bucked federal management since March by establishing its own red snapper season that extends into waters that are claimed by the federal government.

But beginning Saturday, the state will fall back into full compliance with federal regulations for the duration of what is expected to be a 24-day season, according to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Lt. Col. Jeff Mayne.

"We're going to be open not just Friday, Saturday and Sunday; we're going to be open the whole time," he said.

That's the good news. The bad news is that during the federal season, anglers will be limited to two red snapper, even in the waters that are claimed by both the state and the federal government.

"We think that makes it a lot easier for everybody," Mayne said.

At this point, the state season is scheduled to resume its weekend-only framework after the federal season closes, but a lot could change before then.

Randy Pausina, assistant secretary for Wildlife & Fisheries, told NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune last week that the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will reexamine the lengths and limits of the state season at its next monthly meeting, scheduled for June 6 in Baton Rouge.